As with many things, the new year is a good time to step back and re-evaluate the state of your rental home. Are there little repairs you’ve put off? What about redecorating projects you ran out of time for?
Even if it isn’t something you’ve been planning for, it’s always a good idea to touch up your property at least once a year. Keeping your rental home in the best condition is essential for attracting and impressing guests, as well as maintaining a good reputation for your home. Here are a few easy ways to refurbish your vacation home.
Freshen up Furniture
There’s no need to rush out and buy all-new furniture to refresh your rental home. Dress up existing furnishings with blankets, throw pillows, or a nice cover to make it look and feel new.
Go Budget-Conscious
Even if you have to buy furniture, you can find affordable accent pieces at a number of places. Ikea is particularly popular for its economical prices – and their furniture is very versatile, too.
Create a Gourmet Chef’s Kitchen
Consider upgrading appliances if your current ones are no longer up to standard. That goes for large appliances (refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, etc.) and smaller ones (microwave, coffee machine, etc.) alike. Overhauled cabinets, a redesigned backsplash, or a brand-new sink are other surefire ways to create a kitchen your guests will want to spend time in.
Change Your Doorknobs, Handles, and Hinges
It’s a small update that goes a long way. Replacing these little items can give your doors new life. When looking for new items, keep your home’s existing color palette in mind. Feel free to mix metals and finishes, but stay within your established color temperature.
Update Your Lamps and Lampshades
Lamps are more than just light sources; they’re important design pieces! Replace lamps as you change the look of a room, or swap to a new lampshade if you’re after a less dramatic transformation.
Paint the Walls
For both exterior and interior walls, a fresh coat of paint transform your home’s entire identity. With new paint can come new theming, as well, opening up the possibilities for décor.
Overhaul the Bathrooms
Go all-out with the bathrooms: change the shower curtain, get new decorative towels and accessories, swap the rugs, establish a whole new color scheme. Replacing the vanity with an upgraded piece is another great idea, and many home improvement stores offer a large selection for all budgets.
Install New Curtains or Blinds
Typical vinyl blinds can be basic and drab, so replace them with something a little cozier like wooden blinds. The same goes for your curtains – a simple switch to something bold can make your room feel new again.
Smarten Your Home
Treat your guests to a new level of convenience with smart devices throughout the home! Just about every aspect of your home can be controlled by a smart device, from thermostats and lights to door locks and security systems. You can even link most devices to a single hub like a Google Home or Amazon Echo for easier control. Technological renovations can be just as important as physical renovations!
Proper Lawn Care
Don’t forget what’s outside your rental home, as your yard and entryway will do the heavy lifting of creating first impressions for your guests. Dutiful lawn care gives your home a polished look from the outside. Mow the lawn, rake up leaves, and buzz those weeds down!